Diving fishing weight

ABSTRACT

A diving fishing weight is for receiving a length of fishing line with a first end connected to a fish catching device and a second end connected to a rod and reel assembly. The fishing weight includes a dive-inducing member constructed to dive through water, and dive-stop structure in communication with the dive-inducing member and the fishing line, and being actuable by a force exerted along the fishing line to stop the fishing weight from diving. The dive-inducing member includes a body that has a front region oriented generally toward the fish catching device, a rear region oriented generally toward the rod and reel assembly, opposed sides and an upper surface. The dive-stop structure includes a passage defined by the body that extends through at least a portion of the body, with the passage having a first end proximate the front region of the body and a second end on the upper surface. The fishing weight further includes a pair of wings connected to the body and extending in generally opposed directions outwardly and upwardly from the rear portion of the body toward the front portion and the upper surface to define a wing plane. The fishing weight has a center of gravity bounded generally by the wing plane, and the center of gravity and wing plane cooperate to predispose the weight to dive at a pre-determined angle. The fishing weight is also formed from a novel polymer-based composite material consisting essentially of a first volume of a curable polymeric component mixed with a second volume of iron ferrite particles, such that the unit has a specific gravity of about 7.5-8.0, with the unit including a central substantially uncured section and an outer substantially cured section.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/347,204, nowallowed, which was filed Jul. 2, 1999 and is entitled DIVING FISHINGWEIGHT, which allowed application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.5,918,408, which issued Jul. 6, 1999, entitled DIVING FISHING WEIGHT,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,728, which issuedOct. 10, 1998, entitled IRON-FERRITE-FILLED POLYMER-BASED COMPOSITEMATERIAL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to fishing weights. Moreparticularly, the invention concerns a novel diving fishing weight thatincludes an elongate body constructed to dive through water anddive-stop structure that is actuable by a force exerted along a fishingline to stop the fishing weight from diving.

[0003] Previously, fishermen have used certain sinking fishing weightsthat are capable of sinking in heavy current to fish in deep rivers,lakes and the ocean. Essentially, sinking fishing weights have been usedto ensure that the lure on the end of the fishing line goes down in thewater where the fish are located. Heavy current in deep waters requiresthat something more than a lure be used because the lure is not heavyenough to sink the line to a desired depth.

[0004] Two classes of such conventional weights include one known as adownrigger and a second known as a so-called floating diver. Thedownrigger involves operating a second fishing line that detachablyconnects to a first line that includes a lure. The downrigger has a leadball that is effective to carry the lure down in the water. A disconnectmechanism detaches the second line/lead ball when a fish pulls at thefirst line by taking the lure. The floating diver is configured to divewhen pulled against a current either produced naturally or by trolling.

[0005] Each of the above two classes of conventional weights havedrawbacks. The downrigger is complex and unwieldy, although effective asa sinker because of the relatively extreme weight of the lead ball whichis more than heavy enough to sink in heavy current.

[0006] The floating diver is not as effective at sinking in heavycurrent as the lead ball of the downrigger. Additionally, the floatingdiver's response to current, i.e. diving, makes it difficult for afisherman to reel in the line because the diver tends to resist beingpulled toward the fisherman. The reason for that is that the sameconstruction that causes it to dive when desired, also causes it toresist being reeled in with the line and lure.

[0007] In other words, the floating diver is constructed to respond tocurrent by diving. Sometimes that response is desired and other times itis not. The problem for the fisherman is that there is no way to turnthe diving response off when it is undesired.

[0008] Many conventional sinking fishing weights are also made fromlead, a material that is presently undesirable due to human health risksassociated with handling such material.

[0009] Until now, there has not been proposed a diving fishing weightthat overcomes the above drawbacks of conventional materials, or meetsthe above desired properties.

[0010] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide a diving fishing weight which overcomes the drawbacks ofprior-art proposals.

[0011] Another object is to provide such a fishing weight with dive-stopstructure that is actuable by a force exerted along a fishing line tostop the fishing weight from diving.

[0012] Yet another object is to provide such a fishing weight that hasan elongate body constructed to dive through water.

[0013] Another important object of the invention is to provide such afishing weight that is formed of a lead-free composite material.

[0014] It is also an object of the invention to provide such a fishingweight that is predisposed to dive at a desired angle relative to thewater surface.

[0015] Yet another object is to provide such a fishing weight that canbe cost- effectively manufactured.

[0016] In brief summary, one aspect of the invention includes a divingfishing weight that is for receiving a length of fishing line with afirst end connected to a fish catching device and a second end connectedto a rod and reel assembly. The fishing weight includes a dive-inducingmember constructed to dive through water, and dive-stop structure incommunication with the dive-inducing member and the fishing line, andbeing actuable by a force exerted along the fishing line to stop thefishing weight from diving.

[0017] The dive-inducing member includes a body that has a front regionoriented generally toward the fish catching device, a rear regionoriented generally toward the rod and reel assembly, opposed sides andan upper surface. The dive-stop structure includes a passage defined bythe body that extends through at least a portion of the body, with thepassage having a first end proximate the front region of the body and asecond end on the upper surface.

[0018] The fishing weight further includes a pair of wings connected tothe body and extending in generally opposed directions outwardly andupwardly from the rear portion of the body toward the front portion andthe upper surface to define a wing plane. The fishing weight has acenter of gravity bounded generally by the wing plane, and the center ofgravity and wing plane cooperate to predispose the weight to dive at apredetermined angle.

[0019] Preferably, the fishing weight is also formed from a novelpolymer-based composite material consisting essentially of a firstvolume of a curable polymeric component mixed with a second volume ofiron ferrite particles, such that the unit has a specific gravity ofabout 7.5-8.0, with the unit including a central substantially uncuredsection and an outer substantially cured section.

[0020] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will bemore clearly understood from a consideration of the accompanyingdrawings and the following description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a diving fishing weight constructedin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Asshown the fishing weight receives a length of fishing line, which isconnected to a fish catching device.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view thereof.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view thereof.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a left-side elevational view thereof.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a right-side elevational view thereof.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a top plan view thereof.

[0027]FIG. 7 is front elevational view thereof.

[0028]FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fishing weightof FIG. 1, taken generally along lines 8-8 in FIG. 6.

[0029]FIG. 9 is an environmental left-side view showing the fishingweight of FIG. 1 diving at angle α.

[0030]FIG. 10 is an environmental left-side view showing the fishingweight of FIG. 9, oriented at angle β with respect to the long axis ofthe tube to disengage the dive-inducing mechanism of the fishing weight.

[0031]FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of thefishing weight of FIG. 1.

[0032]FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a an alternate embodiment of thefishing weight of FIG. 1.

[0033]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the fishing weight of FIG. 12.

[0034]FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fishing weightof FIG. 12, taken generally along line 14-14 in FIG. 13.

[0035]FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fishingweight of FIG. 1 constructed from alternate materials of construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] A diving fishing weight constructed according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and generallyindicated at 10. Fishing weight, or weight, 10 receives a length offishing line 12 and has a first end connected to a fish catching device14 and a second end connected to a rod and reel assembly (not shown).

[0037] The fish line, fish catching device and rod and reel assembly mayvary in size and configuration and form no part of the claimedinvention.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, fish catching device 14 includes a pluralityof sinkers 16, a swivel 18, a lure 20 and a hook 22. It should beunderstood that the term “fish catching device” as used herein is meantto include all hooks, lures, swivels, weights, leaders, bait, otherfishing paraphernalia and combinations thereof which are commonlyattached to a fishing line to catch fish or other aquatic creatures.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the diving fishing weight includes adive-inducing member 24, which is constructed to dive through water.Member 24 is predisposed to dive at a predetermined angle with respectto the surface of the body of water in which the weight is used. It isimportant to understand that the weight does not simply perform asinking function, as do many conventional weights. Instead, thedive-inducing member is specifically configured to cause the weight todive in the water at a given angle. This holds true whether the weightis cast into the water or if the weight is trolled into the wake createdby a boat or water current.

[0040] Dive-inducing member 24 includes an elongate body 26, which has afront region 28 oriented generally toward fish catching device 14 and arear region 30 oriented generally toward the rod and reel assembly. Body26 also has a pair of opposed sides 32 and an upper surface 34. The bodyhas a generally circular cross-section, taken along the long axis of thebody, with the diameter of the cross-section diminishing toward thefront and rear ends of the body to give the body an inwardlycylindrically tapered configuration.

[0041] The dive-inducing member further includes a pair of wings 36 thatare connected to body 24 and extend in generally opposed directions bothoutwardly and upwardly from the rear portion of the body. Wings 36extend toward the front portion and upper surface to define a wing plane38. The wings are generally upwardly oriented as they extend forwardalong the body, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. As shown, the wings originatefrom the rear portion of the body, and a substantial portion of eachwing extends above a horizontal plane extending through the long axis ofthe body. Wings 36, and therefore wing plane 38, terminate adjacent themidpoint between the front and rear end regions of the body.

[0042] Each wing includes a forward edge 40 that extends outwardly froma respective side of body 26 in a direction generally transverse to thebody. Each wing 36 further includes an arcuate rearward edge 42 that isjoined to forward edge 40 distal body, and extends at an angle in therange of approximately 30-40° relative to the forward edge. The rearwardedges meet adjacent the rear portion of body 26. As shown, the forwardand rearward edges are rounded and provide a smooth transition betweenthe upper and lower surfaces of the wings. As seen in FIG. 2, the bodyand wings are configured to give the weight a generally squid-likeappearance.

[0043] Weight 10 is configured to have a center of gravity this isbounded generally by wing plane 38. The location of the center ofgravity and the wing plane cooperate generally to predispose the weightto dive at a predetermined angle. The configuration shown and describedabove produces a dive angle in the range of 50-85° with respect to thesurface of the water. Preferably, the dive angle is in the range of60-85°, and even more preferably, the dive angle is in the range of70-80°. In FIG. 9, the weight is shown diving at an angle α with respectto a plane extending normal to the surface of the water, therebyproducing a dive angle of 90° minus α. As the weight dives, it isoriented with its forward portion extending generally toward the surfaceof the water and its rear portion extending generally away from thesurface of the water.

[0044] It should be understood that varying the shape of the wing planeand the location of the center of gravity of the weight will alter thedive angle. Additionally, it should be understood that the previouslydescribed dive angles may be affected by the currents and other externalforces in the water surrounding the weight as it dives.

[0045] The weight further includes dive-stop structure 40 that is incommunication with body 24 and fishing line 12 and at least temporarilyrenders the dive-inducing member ineffective. Accordingly, the dive-stopmember may also be thought of as a dive-interrupting member. Thedive-stop member is actuable by a force exerted along the fishing line,and prevents the weight from diving. It should be understood, however,that the dive-stop member prevents diving, but does not prevent sinkingcaused by gravity.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 12-14, dive-stop member 40 includes a passage42 defined by body 26. The passage extends through at least a portion ofthe body and has a first end 44 proximate the front region of the bodyand a second, distal end 46, which is on the upper surface of body 26and is generally oriented away from the wing plane. The front region ofthe body adjacent the first end is generally truncated as shown in FIGS.11-12. The second end of the passage is preferably located on the uppersurface generally between the center of gravity and the rear end of thebody, thereby bounding the center of gravity between the first edge ofthe wings and the second end of the passage.

[0047] The passage extends downwardly at an angle of approximately 5-30°from the body's upper surface toward the body's front portion.Preferably, the passage extends downwardly at an angle of approximately5-25°, and even more preferably at an angle of approximately 10-20°.When an external force is exerted along the fishing line, this forcecauses the weight to pivot from its current diving or otherconfiguration and to be oriented so that the long axis of the passage isgenerally parallel to the fishing line, as shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10,the weight has pivoted from the orientation shown in FIG. 9, and is noworiented so that its rear portion extends generally toward the water'ssurface and its forward portion extends generally away from the water'ssurface. As shown, the wing plane extends away from the long axis of thepassage by angle β, which preferably lies in the range discussed above.This configuration changes the orientation of the weight and therebyrenders the dive-inducing member inactive. The force exerted on the lineis imparted to the passage, where it is exerted along the long axis ofthe dive-stop member.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, passage 42 further includes an elongatetube 50 that is disposed within the passage. As shown, the tube issubstantially coextensive with the passage, and preferably extends atleast partially outwardly from the second end of the passage. In thisembodiment, the front region adjacent the first end of the tube isrounded or otherwise generally flush with the first end.

[0049] An alternate embodiment of weight 10 is shown in FIG. 11. In thisembodiment, wings 36 extend adjacent the rear portion of body 26, andextend beyond the rear portion away from the front portion.

[0050] The weight may be formed of any suitable, relatively densestructural material. Preferably, the weight is formed from a curablematerial that enables the weight to be molded or otherwise formed as anintegral unit.

[0051] With respect to the preferred composite material for making anintegral unit version of fishing weight 10, certain chemical andphysical features of that material will be described. In addition to thepresent disclosure, applicant also incorporates by reference the subjectdisclosed in his pending, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/489,122,filed Jun. 6, 1995 for an invention entitled Iron-Ferrite-FilledPolymer-Based Composite Material and Method of Making The Same.

[0052] The composite material is a curable, polymer-based compositematerial consisting essentially of a first volume of a curable polymericcomponent, and a second volume of iron ferrite particles. The polymericcomponent preferably includes a styrene butadiene resin (SBR). Exampleformulations will be described below. An example of a relative volumeratio is 100 parts polymeric component to 3,000 parts iron ferriteparticles, and a method of forming the composite material will also bedescribed. The relative volume ratio may vary depending on theapplication but, from the example, it should be clear that extremelyhigh loading levels are possible using the to-be-described method of theinvention.

[0053] Because of its high density, the composite material is usable asa lead substitute. The composite material is also moldable usingconventional methods. The composite material is also magnetizable andmillable after it is molded into a desired shape.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 15, fishing weight 10 is made of the compositematerial and may also be surface-coated with paint or other desired,suitable coating. Preferably, fishing weight 10 made from the compositematerial has a specific gravity in the range of about 7.5 to 8.0.

[0055] To form the polymer-based, and preferably rubber-based, compositematerial of the invention, the following method is performed. First, themethod includes selecting a first amount of curable rubber-based resin,and selecting an amount of filler. Preferably, the rubber-based resinincludes an SBR resin, and the filler is iron ferrite particles.

[0056] The method also includes the steps of reserving a fraction of thecurable rubber-based resin from the first amount, and mixing theunreserved portion of the first amount of the curable rubber-based resinwith the amount of filler. Next, the method includes adding the reservedsecond amount of the curable rubber-based resin to the mixture, andrepeating the mixing step.

[0057] The reserving step may involve reserving plural fractions of thefirst amount of the curable rubber resin and, for such a case, themethod will further include the step of performing the adding andrepeating steps for each fraction.

[0058] Preferably, the reserving step includes cooling the reservedfraction of the first amount of the curable rubber resin. Generallyspeaking the cooling can be accomplished by reserving because the resinis warmed to a processing temperature in the mill. Where there areplural reserved fractions, then each reserved fraction is cooled.

EXAMPLE I

[0059] Parts Material 110 SBR 1712 20 SBR 1009 5 ZINC OXIDE 2 STERICACID POWDERED CURING AGENT 1.5 NAUGARD Q ANTI-OXIDANT 3000 IRON FERRITEPOWDER 20 NEBONY 100 DESSICANT 40 CALIFLUX SP PLASTICIZER 2.5 SULFURCURING AGENT 1.5 MBTS CURE ACCELERATOR .35 CUMATE CURE-CONTROLLING AGENT

[0060] The above example produces a product with a specific gravity ofabout 7.5-8.0, and could be used for applications such as the fishingweight or the first layer of a sound dampening system. The relativeparts of each component are by volume. The processing temperature mayvary as required by batch size. For production batches of about 900-950pounds, the preferred processing temperature is between about 200-250°F. The above components are commercially available, and preferably theSBR resins are from Polysar, the zinc oxide from Azon, the Naugard Qanti-oxidant, Nebony 100 plasticizer and MBTS (2-mercaptobenzothiazyldisulfide) cure-controlling agent all from Harwick, the iron ferritefrom Western Supply, and the Califlux SP plasticizer from H. M. Royal.

[0061] Numerous variations are possible with respect to blending of SBRresins, or choosing other suitable resins. With respect to Example I,the SBR 1712 resin is of the master-batch type so that there is about 80parts SBR and about 30 parts oil. The result is that Example I requiresthe usual 100 parts SBR.

[0062] With respect to the iron ferrite powder, any suitable particlesize is acceptable, and 90 mesh (ASTM) has been found suitable.

[0063] Production batches of Example I can be made using a suitable millor rotary mixer such as a Banbury mixer. The sequence of addingcomponents may vary, but the cure-related components, particularly thesulfur and MBTS should be added last. Where practical, best results areobtained by pre-mixing the SBR 1712 and 1009 resins, reserving afraction of about 30-50% of the pre-mixed resins, and then addingmaterials in the following sequence: (1) joint addition of zinc oxide,steric acid powder, and Naugard Q anti-oxidant, (2) joint addition ofiron ferrite powder, Nebony 100 plasticizer, cumate cure-controllingagent, and Califlux SP plasticizer, (3) addition of the reservedfraction of pre-mixed SBR resins, and (4) joint addition of sulfurcuring agent and MBTS cure accelerator.

[0064] By reserving the fraction of pre-mixed SBR resins, that fractionwill drop in temperature substantially from the processing temperature,and temperature drops of about 50-100° F. are possible. Reintroducingthat fraction after addition of the iron ferrite powder has been foundto be effective in allowing the resins to be loaded with such a highpercentage of iron ferrite powder as in Example I.

[0065] When made with a production mill, Example I requires about45-minutes for adequate mixing. When made with a rotary mixer such as aBanbury mixer, Example I requires about 5-minutes for adequate mixing.When mixing is complete, the material will have a sheet-like appearance(mill mix) or a crumb-like appearance (Banbury mixer). When mixed usinga Banbury mixer, the material is preferably dispensed from that mixerinto a mill to produce a sheet-like form.

[0066] With respect to curing and molding of the composite material intodesired shapes such as fishing weight 10, any suitable rubbercuring/molding techniques can be used. The preferred cure temperature isabout 325° F.

[0067] An important change to the conventional curing method is that thecomposite material is substantially undercured. For example, when a2.5-inch diameter puck-like object is formed using the compositematerial, it should be cured for about 12 minutes at 325° F. That curetime will produce a desired central, substantially uncured section ofthe composite material, and a first outer, substantially cured section.The substantially cured section may also be thought of as a skinsection. In general, the composite material is preferably undercured bycuring it only for approximately 20-30% of the usual required time atthe required temperature. Even though the composite material isundercured, it has been surprisingly effective for use in theapplications described above. Parts Material 110 SBR 1712 20 SBR 1009 5ZINC OXIDE 2 STERIC ACID POWDERED CURING AGENT 1.5 NAUGARD QANTI-OXIDANT 130 IRON FERRITE POWDER 20 NEBONY 100 DESSICANT 40 CALIFLUXSP PLASTICIZER 2.5 SULFUR CURING AGENT 1.5 MBTS CURE ACCELERATOR .35CUMATE CURE-CONTROLLING AGENT

[0068] The above example produces a product with a specific gravity ofabout 1.5-2.0, and could be used for applications such as the hockeypuck-like sports article. The processing temperature is again preferablyabout 200-250° F. The materials are the same as those described inconnection with Example I. The only change relative to the two examplesis that substantially less iron ferrite powder is used. The reservingstep can be used for Example II but, due to the substantial drop inrelative percentage of iron ferrite powder, there is less need to usethat step to achieve adequate dispersion of the iron ferrite powder inthe resin.

[0069] The present invention therefore achieves the above objects byproviding a polymer-based composite material which overcomes thedrawbacks of prior-art proposals. The composite material has a suitablyhigh density for use as a substitute for lead. It also has a suitablelow-rebound characteristic for use as a sports article such as a hockeypuck. The composite material also can be used as an effective sounddampener at relatively low thickness of less than about one inch. Thecomposite material is also moldable and, in its resulting molded form,it is magnetizable and millable. The composite material is also capableof being cost-effectively manufactured.

[0070] Other application for the composite material include: (1) ballastdevices, and particularly those used to counterbalance components inagriculture devices such as combine heads, and (2) tail weights in thecurtain industry, particularly weights that are attached to curtains tostabilize them.

[0071] Accordingly, while a preferred embodiment of the invention hasbeen described herein, it is appreciated that modifications are possiblethat are within the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A diving fishing weight for receiving a length of fishingline with a first end connected to a fish catching device and a secondend connected to a rod and reel assembly, the weight comprising: adive-inducing member constructed to dive through water; and dive-stopstructure in communication with the dive-inducing member and the fishingline, and being actuable by a force exerted along the fishing line tostop the fishing weight from diving.
 2. The fishing weight of claim 1wherein the dive-inducing member includes a body that has a front regionoriented generally toward the fish catching device, a rear regionoriented generally toward the rod and reel assembly, opposed sides andan upper surface.
 3. The fishing weight of claim 2 wherein the dive-stopstructure includes a passage defined by the body that extends through atleast a portion of the body, with the passage having a first endproximate the front region of the body and a second end on the uppersurface.
 4. The fishing weight of claim 3 , further including a pair ofwings connected to the body and extending in generally opposeddirections outwardly and upwardly from the rear portion of the bodytoward the front portion and the upper surface to define a wing plane.5. The fishing weight of claim 4 , wherein the fishing weight has acenter of gravity bounded generally by the wing plane.
 6. The fishingweight of claim 5 , wherein the center of gravity and wing planecooperate to predispose the weight to dive at a predetermined angle. 7.The fishing weight of claim 6 wherein the wing plane terminates adjacentthe midpoint between the front and rear regions of the body.
 8. Thefishing weight of claim 7 , wherein a substantial portion of each wingextends above a horizontal plane extending through the long axis of thebody.
 9. The fishing weight of claim 8 , wherein the body, dive-stopstructure and wings are formed as an integral unit.
 10. A diving fishingweight for use in a body of water having a water surface and configuredto receive a length of fishing line, the weight comprising: a generallyarrow-shaped, dive-angle-orienting member having a wing plane, themember being predisposed to dive at a pre-determined angle when placedin the body of water; and a dive-interrupting member disposed generallyalong the long axis of the wing plane and extending generally forward ofthe wing plane, wherein the dive- interrupting member is configuredselectively to prevent the fishing weight from diving when actuated by aforce exerted along the long axis of the dive-interrupting member. 11.The fishing weight of claim 10 , wherein the dive-angle-orienting memberis predisposed to dive at an angle of approximately 70-80° relative tothe water surface.
 12. The fishing weight of claim 11 , wherein thedive-angle-orienting member has an upper surface and a rear portion, andwherein the wing plane has a forward edge adjacent the upper surface,and a rearward edge adjacent the rear portion of the dive-interruptingmember.
 13. The fishing weight of claim 12 , wherein thedive-interrupting member extends downwardly at an angle of approximately15-20° relative to the upper surface of the dive-angle-inducing member.14. The fishing weight of claim 13 , wherein the dive-interruptingmember is elongate and defines a passage having a distal end orientedaway from the wing plane
 15. The fishing weight of claim 14 , whereinthe dive-interrupting member includes an elongate member, the elongatemember being connected to and extending generally away from a frontportion of the dive-angle-orienting member and having a front end distalthe dive-angle-orienting member, wherein the dive-angle-orienting memberand the elongate member collectively define the passage which extendsfrom the upper surface of the dive-angle-orienting member to the frontend of the elongate member at an angle in the range of approximately15-20° relative to the long axis of the elongate member.